Monday, 30 November 2015

Many congratulations on your engagement, we are here and ready to help your wedding dreams come true at our independently owned, family run hotel. Over looking Plymouth, the New Continental Hotel creates a truly romantic setting for your wedding day. We have three beautiful function rooms and are licensed to hold civil ceremonies, allowing your entire day to run smoothly under one elegant roof!

Wedding celebrations become unforgettable against the unmatched care and consideration taken to ensure your day is the special moment upon which you start the rest of your lives together. Majestic architecture, sweeping rooms and ultra-accommodating staff make this landmark building a top pick in Plymouth. Our romantic hotel with its Grade II listing and 150 year history is an iconic building; set within the heart of Plymouth, it not only offers a great location, but also family owners and staff whose hospitality is legendary.

With our mouth-watering menus and excellent service we will leave your guests delighted, ensuring your big day is an event to remember. Our talented Chefs will work with you to develop delicious menus that suit your needs and your budget – from a wedding breakfast, to canapés, to meals for special dietary requirements. We’ll get to know your taste and style and deliver a menu and day that will wow you and your guests.

It is true to say that the romantic possibilities are endless at the New Continental Hotel! For over 30 years, we have been ensuring that brides and grooms have relaxed as we have helped them create memories they can cherish for a lifetime. We believe every wedding should be different, so our Wedding Coordinator is available to arrange all the extras for you too.

As an independent, family run hotel, we pride ourselves on our ability to be truly flexible, to offer a bespoke and tailor made package that will cater for your dreams; be they for large and lavish, or intimate and close – or anywhere in between.

Located in the heart of Plymouth, with ample parking, we cater for all ceremonies and celebrations. With 99 en-suite bedrooms, four-poster and deluxe suites and a health and leisure club we can also accommodate your friends and family in style.

You will find the link to our Wedding Brochure; designed to give you a glimpse into our hotel and a taste of what we can offer. Nothing beats coming in and seeing for yourselves though, so do contact us as we would love to meet you.

Thursday, 29 October 2015

Is this a story about love; or is it about losing yourself to love. .?

On Tuesday 6th August 1907, a dreadful tragedy occurred at the Albion Hotel near Millbay Train station.

For some time Mr and Mrs MacLoughlin had been separated, due to Mr MacLoughlin’s love of whiskey; not allowed to live as a single women Mrs Macloughlin could only leave her husband if she was to be provided with a live in place of employment. In February 1907, Mary Ann MacLoughlin gained this employment as a live in housekeeper at the Albion Hotel, here she was happy and loved her new found freedom and profession, working amongst people she now called her friends.

William MacLoughlin remained in the family home in Compton with his two young children, the elder two siblings were in employment at nearby farms in both Tavistock and Callington.

On this dry, clear Tuesday in August something came about William; an uncontrollable urge to claim his wife once again. He strode in, uninvited to the hotel and found his way to the still-room.

Into the still-room William marched; with alcohol on his breath and passion in his heart. He waited, crouched in silence in the corner of the room waiting for Mary Ann to arrive.

With the sound of a gun firing, Mathew, the page boy, ran to the still-room from the lobby; through the archway and down the narrow stairs with only a dim light to guide his way. He could hear nothing but deep breaths and felt a cold chill in the air. With his heart pounding, Mathew discovered the tragedy, his colleague Mary Ann on the floor and the stranger with the smoking gun standing near her limp body.

He screamed and sobbed and then saw William proceed to shoot himself.

A letter was found on the man when the police came, in it he wrote in affectionate terms to his wife; promising he would find a way to give up the drink and that they would have a future together, somehow, someway, sometime.

Tuesday, 6 October 2015

On June 14th, 1922 at the Albion Hotel (the hotel to the rear of the Continental Hotel when it was two separate dwellings) a new and exciting appliance was introduced to the people of Plymouth!

Just placed on the market the Ardente Acoustique was recommended by Doctors and used by Royalty. This small, light, portable and 'quite inconspicuous' devise; 'leaving the hands free with no heavy battery' was demonstrated, with tests given and without consultative fees at the hotel.

An article found from the British Newspaper Archives, written in the Western Morning News in May 1922.

Reports say that there were people waiting along the street to gain entry, with people saying it was 'a miracle, I can hear even a whisper'.

Sound for many was a revelation that day in Plymouth, and all from the platform of the Albion Hotel!

Once two hotels; the Albion and the Continental Hotel, they were once owned by Mr George Fowler. No matter who the owners have been throughout history, these hotels were always striving to offer the city the very best in accommodation, banqueting and leisure.

In February 1936 the construction was completed for the 'new, spacious banqueting and ball-room, equipped in the most up-to-date fashion at the Continental Hotel, Plymouth'. The largest banqueting room in the city and for miles around at the time, capable of seating 350 people!

This ballroom also offered the largest clear space for ballroom dancing in Plymouth, with up to four dances a week being held for the community.

Also home to the first sprung floor in a hotel in Plymouth, overlaid with fine maple wood set on springs, the evenings spent gliding around the ballroom were moments that created memories that would last a lifetime.

Costing over £17,000, this ballroom had air purifiers, hot and cold running water and the ‘finest ladies powder rooms’ in Plymouth! That investment equates to over £850,000 in today’s money!

These hidden gems of our history create the rhythm you feel in there today, one of life and wonder, future and possibilities, fun and laughter. If this ballroom could talk, it would tell many a fabulous tale!

We want to keep these memories alive; do you remember a time in our ballroom, have you heard other peoples memories that you can share with us? We want to mark it's 80th birthday in style and would love to hear from anyone who can help us build a bank of memories!

Email: elinor.eaton@newcontinenetal.co.uk with your memories or the memories of others. We can't wait to hear from you.

Thursday, 1 October 2015

For many years now, nutrition has become
the most important lens for looking after your body and its health and
well-being; and although we all know our bodies are our temples; do we really
know how to fuel them in the right way..?

No matter what your level of fitness or
your knowledge of nutrition, the ‘Leaner Living’ seminar, presented by James
Buckingham of PFP Exeter, is the perfect no-nonsense guide. Aimed at anyone
looking to lose weight, become ‘leaner’ and increase their physical well-being
and health.

Being held at the New Continental Hotel on
Saturday 10th October, this is the perfect chance to join
like-minded individuals all looking to gain from James’ knowledge and
experience. Tickets are just £10 and availability is already limited.

So hurry, join us between 09:45 and 12:00
in the Green Room at the New Continental Hotel and be at the hottest Nutrition
Seminar in town!

Friday, 11 September 2015

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a passionate and committed
Receptionist at the New Continental Hotel who will be taking responsibility for
welcoming and supporting our guests in a friendly and helpful manner.

The New Continental Hotel is a stunning Grade II listed, independent
hotel with 99 bedrooms. The building itself is steeped in history and is
situated in the heart of Britain’s Ocean City. It is a popular choice for
tourists due to its convenient location in the centre of town, with parking and
easy access to local amenities and attractions. Visited by guests from all over
the world, the hotel is held in high regard by people from many countries that
have been visiting Plymouth and staying in our Family run hotel for over 20
years. The hotel is also a platform for a
great number of conferences and meetings each week; boasting many fine function
spaces and bars threaded throughout the building.

This all combined with being a well known wedding venue, having Steve’s
Brasserie, our in-house restaurant and Club Continental, our leisure complex,
the hotel has a great deal on offer with a constantly friendly and lively atmosphere.

The role:

We are looking for an individual to join our busy Reception team. The role requires you to check guests in and out of the hotel and to take reservations and input them onto our computerised booking system. There will be cash handling, answering the telephones, responding to emails, communicating with other departments and interacting with our quests to assist them with the question.

This role is all about service excellence, we are looking for an enthusiastic individual who wants to do everything superbly well and where nothing is too much trouble for our guests.

This is a full-time position; working hours are on a shift basis covering 7am to 3pm or 3pm-11pm five days out of seven. The role is to be started as soon as possible, experience is preferred but full training will be given.

Key competencies you will require:

Professional presentation

Excellent communication and organisational skills

A high degree of flexibility with regards to working hours

Most important of all is a person to deliver a truly excellent service every time

Required Skills:

Basic computer knowledge

Well organsied with good planning skills

Presentable, approachable and with a friendly personality

Able to work individually and as part of a team

Benefits included for a Receptionist:

Competitive
Salary

28 days
holidays including bank holidays

Contributory
Pension Scheme

Meals on
duty

Free use
of the entire Leisure Complex, including sauna and steam room

The New Continental Hotel
is a committed equal opportunities employer. We seek to attract, develop and
retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. We
value and respect individuality and encourage a culture within our business
where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths and
experiences. Everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated
equally, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital
status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

To send your CV, or for further information please email: nikkif@newcontinental.co.uk

Wednesday, 19 August 2015

Steve’s Brasserie at the New Continental Hotel caters handsomely to diners on the go, offering a good value pre-theatre menu that should see you fully sated and safely in your seats before curtain call, irons up or show time! Dining at Steve’s is a show of its own. There is so much to admire even before dinner arrives: with an open kitchen and local art hanging on the walls. As for the cuisine, this Brasserie, sat inside the 150 year old Grade II listed building, is the perfect fusion of old meeting new and the perfect spot to contemplate your night of culture and look forward to the treats that await you, both on and off the stage!

The pre-theatre guests at Steve’sBrasserie can expect well-judged dishes, made by chefs who not only have a
passion for their art, but come with an impressive array of experience. Even
the noise is enticing – gently lilting chatter, the sound of the kitchen in
full swing, whilst the waiters are impeccably smart and attentive.

This added to a menu that houses a
thoughtful wine selection, by the glass or bottle, is the perfect start to what
will be a sensational cultural evening in Plymouth. With great service, and food
to match, your meal in Steve’s can play centre stage and be just as much a
highlight as your night at the theatre.

Pre-theatre menu: served Monday to Saturday from 5.30pm to 7pm. It costs £12.95 for two courses, or £15.95 for
three.Theatres within a 5 and 10-minute walk: Pavilions, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Drum Theatre and Barbican
Theatre.

Booking is highly
recommended. Steve’s can be open at 5pm upon request; call 01752 276798 to make
your reservation. You could also try our sister company; Morgan’s